Surface-cleaning apparatus

ABSTRACT

A surface-cleaning apparatus ( 1 ) includes: a main-body housing ( 2 ); a suction motor ( 6 ), which is housed in the main-body housing and is driven to recover a cleaning liquid from a surface of a cleaning target; a first tank ( 3 ), which houses the cleaning liquid to be supplied to the surface of the cleaning target; and a second tank ( 4 ), which houses the cleaning liquid recovered from the surface of the cleaning target. One tank of the first tank and the second tank is connected to an upper portion of the main-body housing. The other tank of the first tank and the second tank is connected to a lower portion of the main-body housing and has a lower surface ( 4 A) that opposes a stationary surface on which the surface-cleaning apparatus is disposed.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2022-092002 and 2022-092116, both filed on Jun. 7, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The techniques disclosed in the present specification relate to a surface-cleaning apparatus, such as a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or wet/dry dust extractor, such as a canister type dust extractor.

BACKGROUND ART

A portable extraction cleaner is disclosed, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,226.

SUMMARY

A surface-cleaning apparatus could hypothetically comprise, e.g., a first tank, which houses a cleaning liquid to be supplied to a surface of a cleaning target, and a second tank, which houses the cleaning liquid recovered from the surface of the cleaning target. In such a configuration of the surface-cleaning apparatus, as a cleaning operation proceeds, the amount of the cleaning liquid housed in the first tank gradually decreases (because the cleaning liquid is being sprayed out from the first tank to clean the surface of the cleaning target), whereas the amount of the cleaning liquid housed in the second tank gradually increases (because used cleaning liquid, together with, e.g., dust, debris, etc., is suctioned off the surface of the cleaning target and returned to the second tank). Depending on the relative positions of the first tank and the second tank, it is possible that the weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus will detrimentally shift in the front-rear direction and/or the left-right direction as the cleaning operation proceeds. In such a circumstance, there is a possibility that cleaning-work efficiency will decrease, it will become more difficult to carry the surface-cleaning apparatus, etc.

One non-limiting object of the present teachings is to disclose techniques for avoiding a detrimental shift in the weight balance of a surface-cleaning apparatus during a cleaning operation.

In one aspect of the present teachings, a surface-cleaning apparatus may comprise: a main-body housing; a suction motor, which is housed in the main-body housing and is driven to recover a cleaning liquid from a surface of a cleaning target; a first tank, which houses the cleaning liquid to be supplied to the surface of the cleaning target; and a second tank, which houses the cleaning liquid recovered from the surface of the cleaning target. One tank of the first tank and the second tank may be connected to an upper portion of the main-body housing. The other tank of the first tank and the second tank may be connected to a lower portion of the main-body housing and may have a lower surface that opposes (is configured to oppose) a stationary surface.

By utilizing techniques disclosed in the present specification, a detrimental shift in the weight balance of a surface-cleaning apparatus in the front-rear direction and/or left-right direction during a cleaning operation can be avoided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a surface-cleaning apparatus according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present teachings.

FIG. 2 is an oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the surface-cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a drawing, viewed from the left, of the surface-cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the surface-cleaning apparatus, according to the first embodiment, in the state in which a battery pack has been removed.

FIG. 5 is a drawing, viewed from the right, of the surface-cleaning apparatus, according to the first embodiment, in the state in which the battery pack has been removed.

FIG. 6 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from above, that shows the surface-cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view, viewed from the right, of the surface-cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from below, that shows the surface-cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view that shows the surface-cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 schematically shows the surface-cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 schematically shows the surface-cleaning apparatus according to a second, non-limiting embodiment of the present teachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As was mentioned above, a surface-cleaning apparatus may comprise: a main-body housing; a suction motor, which is housed in the main-body housing and is driven to recover cleaning liquid from a surface of a cleaning target; a first tank, which houses (holds) cleaning liquid to be supplied to the surface of the cleaning target; and a second tank, which houses (holds) the cleaning liquid recovered from the surface of the cleaning target. One tank of the first tank and the second tank may be connected to an upper portion of the main-body housing. The other tank of the first tank and the second tank may be connected to a lower portion of the main-body housing and may have a lower surface that opposes (is configured to oppose) a stationary surface.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, because the first tank and the second tank are disposed in the up-down direction, a detrimental shift in the weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus in the front-rear direction and/or the left-right direction can be avoided, even if, as a cleaning operation proceeds, the amount of the cleaning liquid housed in the first tank gradually decreases (because the cleaning liquid is being sprayed out from the first tank to clean the surface of the cleaning target), whereas the amount of the cleaning liquid housed in the second tank gradually increases (because used cleaning liquid, together with, e.g., dust, debris, etc., is suctioned off the surface of the cleaning target and returned to the second tank). Consequently, a decrease in cleaning-work efficiency during the cleaning operation (e.g., which could otherwise be caused by such a detrimental shifting of the weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus) can be avoided by the above-mentioned configuration. In addition, the user of the surface-cleaning apparatus can easily carry the surface-cleaning apparatus.

In one or more embodiments, the first tank and the second tank may be disposed (may extend) in respective planes that are parallel to the lower surface such that the first and second tanks are intersected by a vertically-extending center axis of the main-body housing.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus in the front-rear direction and/or in the left-right direction will not detrimentally shift during a cleaning operation as cleaning liquid is transferred from the first tank to the second tank.

In one or more embodiments, the surface-cleaning apparatus may comprise: a battery-mounting part, which is disposed on the main-body housing, on which a battery pack is mounted and from which the battery pack is demounted. The battery-mounting part (e.g., guide rails thereof) may be disposed (may extend) in a plane that is parallel to the lower surface such that the battery-mounting part is intersected by the center axis (e.g., a vertical central axis) of the main-body housing.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus in the front-rear direction and/or in the left-right direction will not detrimentally shift when the battery pack is mounted on the battery-mounting part.

In one or more embodiments, the first tank may be connected to an upper portion of the main-body housing; and the second tank may be connected to a lower portion of the main-body housing.

Because the cleaning liquid is held above the main-body housing (which contains the supply pump) in the above-mentioned configuration, gravity will assist the supply (movement) of cleaning liquid from the first tank to the surface of the cleaning target, thereby reducing power consumption. It is noted that, if a pressure difference is generated between the first tank and the surface of the cleaning target, a negative pressure effect will also assist the supply (movement) of cleaning liquid housed from the first tank to the surface of the cleaning target, thereby reducing power consumption.

In an embodiment, in which the surface-cleaning apparatus comprises a battery-mounting part, which is disposed on the main-body housing, on which a battery pack is mounted and from which the battery pack is demounted, as was mentioned above, the first tank, the second tank, and battery-mounting part may be disposed (may extend) in the respective planes that are parallel to the lower surface such that the first tank, the second tank and the battery pack are interested by the center axis (e.g., a vertical central axis) of the main-body housing.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus in the front-rear direction and/or in the left-right direction will not detrimentally shift when the battery pack is mounted on the battery-mounting part and/or during a cleaning operation as cleaning liquid is transferred from the first tank to the second tank.

In one or more embodiments, the surface-cleaning apparatus may comprise a supply pump, which is housed in the main-body housing and is driven to supply the cleaning liquid from the first tank to the surface of the cleaning target.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the first tank to the surface of the cleaning target by driving the supply pump. Because the first tank, which houses the cleaning liquid to be supplied to the surface of the cleaning target, is disposed more upward than (above) the supply pump, the supply pump does not have to suction the cleaning liquid upward from a lower position of the supply pump. Consequently, the load on the supply pump when discharging the cleaning liquid can be reduced as compared to an embodiment, in which the cleaning liquid is housed (held) below (at a position lower than) the supply pump, thereby conserving battery power.

In one or more embodiments, the battery-mounting part may be disposed between the supply pump and the suction motor in the front-rear direction.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, in both the state in which the battery pack is mounted on the battery-mounting part and the state in which the battery pack is not mounted on the battery-mounting part, the weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus in the front-rear direction remains the same.

In one or more embodiments, the surface-cleaning apparatus may comprise: a supply switch, which is disposed, e.g., on a front surface of the main-body housing and is manipulated (e.g., pressable, rotatable, etc.) to drive the supply pump; and a suction switch, which is disposed, e.g., on the front surface of the main-body housing and is manipulated (e.g., pressable, rotatable, etc.) to drive the suction motor.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, because the supply switch and the suction switch are separately provided, the supply pump and the suction motor can be driven at the same time (simultaneously) or separately (not simultaneously). In addition, if both the supply switch and the suction switch are disposed on the front surface of the main-body housing, the user of the surface-cleaning apparatus can easily manipulate both the supply switch and the suction switch.

In one or more embodiments, the surface-cleaning apparatus may comprise: a supply port, which is provided on the front surface of the main-body housing and out of which the cleaning liquid supplied to the surface of the cleaning target flows; and a recovery port, which is provided on the front surface of the main-body housing and into which the cleaning liquid, etc. recovered from the surface of the cleaning target flows.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the user of the surface-cleaning apparatus can easily mount (attach) and demount (detach) a supply hose on and from the supply port and mount (attach) and demount (detach) a suction hose on and from the recovery port.

In one or more embodiments, the battery-mounting part may comprise a first battery-mounting part and a second battery-mounting part, which are disposed (arranged, preferably aligned) in the front-rear direction. The supply pump and the suction motor may be disposed (arranged) in the front-rear direction. The first battery-mounting part may be disposed upward of (above) the supply pump. The second battery-mounting part may be disposed upward of (above) the suction motor.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, even if a plurality of the battery-mounting parts is provided on the surface-cleaning apparatus, a favorable weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus can be maintained.

Embodiments according to the present disclosure are explained below, with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. The structural elements of the embodiments explained below can be combined where appropriate. In addition, there are also situations in which some of the structural elements are not used.

In the embodiments, positional relationships among parts will be explained using the terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “up,” and “down.” Each of these terms indicates a relative position or a direction, using the center of a surface-cleaning apparatus 1 as a reference.

First Embodiment of Surface-Cleaning Apparatus

FIG. 1 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present teachings. FIG. 2 is an oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a drawing, viewed from the right, of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the surface-cleaning apparatus 1, according to the first embodiment, in the state in which a battery pack 39 has been removed. FIG. 5 is a drawing, viewed from the right, of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1, according to the first embodiment, in the state in which the battery pack 39 has been removed. FIG. 6 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from above, that shows the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exploded view, viewed from the right, of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from below, that shows the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view that shows the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

The surface-cleaning apparatus 1 is a box-shaped surface-cleaning apparatus having a box-type (box-like) outer shape. The surface-cleaning apparatus 1 comprises or is configured as a wet/dry dust collector (wet/dry dust extractor). A wet/dry dust collector (extractor) means a dust collector (extractor) that is capable of cleaning by suctioning liquid as well as air and solid matter, such as dust, debris, etc.

In one mode of operation, the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 may clean the surface of the cleaning target by first supplying (e.g., spraying) a cleaning liquid to (on) the surface of the cleaning target and then recovering (suctioning) the cleaning liquid that was supplied to the surface of the cleaning target. Such a surface-cleaning apparatus 1 may be called a wet/dry dust extractor, a wet/dry vacuum, a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, a wet/dry shop vacuum (or simply shop vac), or a rinser. A floor surface and a carpet surface are illustrative examples of cleaning-target surfaces.

The surface-cleaning apparatus 1 may clean a cleaning target in the state in which the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 has been placed (disposed or sits or rests) on a stationary surface. The surface of a cleaning target is an illustrative example of a stationary surface. It is noted that the surface of the cleaning target and the stationary surface may be different. It is noted that the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 may clean the cleaning target in the state in which the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 is held by the user of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1, so that the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 is, e.g., suspended above the stationary surface. The floor surface and/or carpet surface mentioned in the preceding paragraph may be the “stationary surface” according to the present teachings. However, surface-cleaning apparatuses according to the present teachings are not limited to cleaning only horizontally extending surfaces and may also be used to clean non-horizontal surfaces, such as inclines, walls, furniture, etc., while the surface-cleaning apparatus is disposed, e.g., on the stationary surface, is held above the stationary surface, or is disposed elsewhere (e.g., on a piece of furniture or another structure).

The surface-cleaning apparatus 1 comprises a main-body housing 2, a first tank 3, a second tank 4, a supply pump 5, a suction motor 6, a supply tube 7, a suction tube 8, a battery-mounting part 9, a controller 10, and an operation panel 11.

As can be seen in FIGS. 6-9 , the main-body housing 2 comprises a main-body plate 12 and a main-body cover 13. The main-body plate 12 is mounted on the second tank 4. The main-body plate 12 is preferably made of a synthetic resin (polymer), although it may also be made, e.g., of a metal. The main-body cover 13 is disposed more upward than (above) the main-body plate 12. An opening is provided in a lower-end portion of the main-body cover 13. The main-body cover 13 is disposed so as to cover the main-body plate 12 from above. The main-body cover 13 is preferably made of a synthetic resin (polymer), although it may also be made, e.g., of a metal.

The main-body plate 12 supports the supply pump 5, the suction motor 6, the supply tube 7, the suction tube 8, the battery-mounting part 9, the controller 10, and the operation panel 11. Because the main-body plate 12 is covered by the main-body cover 13, an interior space of the main-body housing 2 is formed (defined) between the main-body plate 12 and the main-body cover 13. The supply pump 5, the suction motor 6, and the controller are each housed inside the main-body housing 2. The main-body housing 2 is a box type structure (container).

The main-body cover 13 has an opening 14 and a main-body recessed portion 15. The opening 14 is provided in a front surface of the main-body cover 13. The operation panel 11 is disposed inside the opening 14.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3-9 , the main-body recessed portion 15 is provided such that it is recessed inwardly from a portion of the surface of the main-body cover 13. In the first embodiment, the main-body recessed portion 15 is provided such that it is recessed leftward from a right side surface of the main-body cover 13. In addition, the main-body recessed portion 15 is provided such that it is recessed downward from an upper surface of the main-body cover 13. The main-body recessed portion 15 is provided in a center portion of the main-body cover 13 in the front-rear direction. A main-body opening 16 is provided in a right-end portion and an upper-end portion of the main-body recessed portion 15. The main-body opening 16 is provided in both the right surface of the main-body cover 13 and the upper surface of the main-body cover 13. The main-body opening 16 communicates with the interior of the main-body recessed portion 15.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-9 , the inner surfaces of the main-body recessed portion 15 include a rear-side surface 15A, a front-side surface 15B, a back surface 15C, and a bottom surface 15D. The rear-side surface 15A faces forward. The front-side surface 15B faces rearward. The rear-side surface 15A and the front-side surface 15B oppose each other across a gap. The back surface 15C faces rightward. A left-end portion of the rear-side surface 15A and a rear-end portion of the back surface 15C are connected to each other. A left-end portion of the front-side surface 15B and a front-end portion of the back surface 15C are connected to each other. The bottom surface 15D faces upward. The bottom surface 15D is disposed more upward than a lower surface of the main-body plate 12. A lower-end portion of the rear-side surface 15A, a lower-end portion of the front-side surface 15B, and a lower-end portion of the back surface 15C are each connected to a perimeter-edge portion of the bottom surface 15D. An opening 17 is provided in the bottom surface 15D. The battery-mounting part 9 is disposed inside the opening 17.

The first tank 3 houses the cleaning liquid, which is to be supplied to (sprayed on) a surface of the cleaning target. The first tank 3 is a box type container. The first tank 3 is connected (latched) to an upper portion of the main-body housing 2. The first tank 3 is mountable on and demountable from the upper portion of the main-body housing 2. The main-body housing 2 and the first tank 3 are detachably fixed to each other by a latch 18, as can be seen in FIGS. 2-4 .

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5 and 9 , the first tank 3 has a handle 19, a replenishment port (fill hole) 20, a cover (screw cap) 21, and a tank-recessed portion 22. The handle 19 is provided on an upper surface of the first tank 3. The user of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 can carry the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 by gripping the handle 19. The cleaning liquid is supplied into an interior space of the first tank 3 via the replenishment port 20. The cover 21 closes (seals) the replenishment port 20.

The tank-recessed portion 22 is provided such that it is recessed from a portion of a surface of the first tank 3. In the first embodiment, the tank-recessed portion 22 is provided such that it is recessed leftward from a right side surface of the first tank 3. In addition, the tank-recessed portion 22 is provided such that it is recessed upward from a lower surface of the first tank 3. The tank-recessed portion 22 is provided at a center portion of the first tank 3 in the front-rear direction. A tank opening 23 is provided in a right-end portion and a lower-end portion of the tank-recessed portion 22. The tank opening (aperture, hollow portion) 23 is provided in the right side surface of the first tank 3 and the lower surface of the first tank 3. The tank opening 23 communicates with (defines a portion of) the interior of the tank-recessed portion 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 7 , the inner surfaces of the tank-recessed portion 22 include a rear-side surface 22A, a front-side surface 22B, a back surface 22C, and a top surface 22D. The rear-side surface 22A faces forward. The front-side surface 22B faces rearward. The rear-side surface 22A and the front-side surface 22B oppose each other across a gap (hollow space). The back surface 22C faces rightward. A left-end portion of the rear-side surface 22A and a rear-end portion of the back surface 22C are connected to each other. A left-end portion of the front-side surface 22B and a front-end portion of the back surface 22C are connected to each other. The top surface 22D faces downward. The top surface 22D is disposed more downward than (below) the upper surface of the first tank 3. An upper-end portion of the rear-side surface 22A, an upper-end portion of the front-side surface 22B, and an upper-end portion of the back surface 22C are each connected to a perimeter-edge portion of the top surface 22D.

The second tank 4 houses the cleaning liquid (and other solid material, e.g., debris, dust, etc.) recovered (suctioned) from the surface of the cleaning target. The second tank 4 is connected (latchable) to a lower portion of the main-body housing 2. The second tank 4 is mountable on and demountable from the lower portion of the main-body housing 2. The main-body housing 2 and the second tank 4 are detachably fixed to each other by a latch 24, as can be seen in FIGS. 1-5 .

The second tank 4 is a box type container. The second tank 4 has a lower surface 4A, which opposes, e.g., the stationary surface on which the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 sits. Thus, in the state in which the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 has been placed on the stationary surface, the lower surface 4A opposes the stationary surface. A portion or all of the lower surface 4A may make contact with the stationary surface and/or wheels or casters may be provided on the lower surface 4A to facilitate movement (sliding) of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 on the stationary surface.

Referring again to FIGS. 6-9 , the supply pump 5 is driven using current from the battery pack 9 to supply the cleaning liquid from the first tank 3 to the surface of the cleaning target. An outflow part (port, hole) 25 is provided on (in) the lower surface of the first tank 3. An inflow part (port, hole) 26 (see FIG. 6 ) is provided on (in) an upper surface of the main-body housing 2. The outflow part 25 includes an outflow port, out of (through) which the cleaning liquid housed in the first tank 3 flows. The inflow part 26 includes an inflow port, into which the cleaning liquid from the first tank 3 flows. The outflow part 25 and the inflow part 26 are fluidly connected to each other by physically connecting (latching) the first tank 3 to the upper portion of the main-body housing 2. A check valve (not shown) is disposed in the outflow port of the outflow part 25. A projection part 27 (FIG. 6 ), which is configured to actuate (open) the check valve, is provided in the inflow part 26. When the first tank 3 is separated from the main-body housing 2, the outflow part 25 is closed off by the check valve. On the other hand, when the first tank 3 has been connected to the upper portion of the main-body housing 2, the check valve is pushed in upward by the projection part 27, thereby opening the outflow part 25. The cleaning liquid housed in the first tank 3 is gravity fed to the supply pump 5 via the outflow part 25 and the inflow part 26. The (pressurized) cleaning liquid discharged from the supply pump 5 is fed to the supply tube 7.

The suction motor 6 is driven using current from the battery pack 9 to recover (suction) the cleaning liquid (and any solid material, e.g., dust, debris, etc.) from the surface of the cleaning target. The suction motor 6 supplies the cleaning liquid, etc. recovered from the surface of the cleaning target to the second tank 4. The suction motor 6 is an inner-rotor-type brushless motor. A rotor shaft of the suction motor 6 is disposed more downward than (below) a stator of the suction motor 6. As can be seen in FIG. 9 , a fan 28 is connected (attached) to the suction motor 6. More particularly, the fan 28 is fixed to a lower-end portion of the rotor shaft of the suction motor 6. The suction motor 6 generates a rotational force for causing the fan 28 to rotate. The suction motor 6 and the fan 28 are housed in a motor case 29. The motor case 29 is supported on the main-body plate 12. An air-intake port 30, which faces the interior space of the second tank 4, is provided in a portion of the main-body plate 12.

A filter unit 31 and a float 32 are disposed in the interior space of the second tank 4. The filter unit 31 has a circular-tube portion and a bottom portion, which is connected to a lower-end portion of the circular-tube portion. The float 32 is disposed in the interior space of the filter unit 31.

A suction force is generated in the suction tube 8 by the rotation of the fan 28. The fan 28 generates a suction force at the air-intake port 30. The interior space of the second tank 4 is fluidly connected to the suction tube 8. The air-intake port 30 is fluidly connected to the suction tube 8 via the filter unit 31 and the interior space of the second tank 4. In response to rotation of the fan 28, a suction force is generated in the suction tube 8 via the air-intake port 30, the filter unit 31, and the interior space of the second tank 4. Fluid, etc. suctioned in from the suction tube 8 is supplied to the interior space of the second tank 4.

The filter unit 31 traps dust from the air supplied from the interior space of the second tank 4 to the air-intake port 30. The air that has passed through the filter unit 31 flows into the air-intake port 30. The air that has flowed into the air-intake port 30 is exhausted from (via, through) an exhaust tube 33 (see FIGS. 2 and 6 ), which is disposed at a rear portion of the main-body housing 2.

When the cleaning liquid, etc. is suctioned in via the suction tube 8, the cleaning liquid, etc. flows into the interior space of the second tank 4. The cleaning liquid, etc. that has flowed into the interior space of the second tank 4 is housed in the second tank 4. At least a portion of the cleaning liquid, etc. that has flowed into the interior space of the second tank 4 passes through the filter unit 31 and then flows into the interior space of the filter unit 31. The float 32 is disposed in the interior space of the filter unit 31. The float 32 floats on the cleaning liquid. When the cleaning liquid flows into the interior space of the filter unit 31, the float 32 moves upward and will eventually plug up the air-intake port 30. When the float 32 has moved up to the air-intake port 30 and plugged up (sealed) the air-intake port 30, the flow of liquid into the motor case 29 is obstructed (blocked). Thereby, ingress of the liquid from the second tank 4 into the suction motor 6 is obstructed (blocked).

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3-5 , the supply tube 7 has a supply port 34, out of (via, through) which the cleaning liquid to be supplied to the surface of the cleaning target flows. The supply tube 7 is disposed on a front surface of the main-body housing 2. In the first embodiment, the operation panel 11 is disposed on the front surface of the main-body housing 2. The supply tube 7 is disposed in (extends through) the operation panel 11.

The suction tube 8 has a recovery port 35, into (via, through) which the cleaning liquid, etc. recovered (suctioned) from the surface of the cleaning target flows. The suction tube 8 is disposed on the front surface of the main-body housing 2. In the embodiment, the suction tube 8 is disposed more leftward than the supply tube 7.

A base-end portion of a supply hose 36 is connected to the supply tube 7. The supply hose 36 is flexible. A base-end portion of a suction hose 37 is connected to the suction tube 8. The suction hose 37 also is flexible. A tip portion of the supply hose 36 and a tip portion of the suction hose 37 are each connected to a nozzle 38.

When the supply pump 5 is driven, cleaning liquid housed (held) in the first tank 3 is fed (suctioned, drawn) to the supply pump 5. The (pressurized) cleaning liquid discharged from the supply pump 5 is fed to the supply tube 7. The cleaning liquid fed to the supply tube 7 flows out of the supply port 34 and flows through the supply hose 36, after which it is supplied (e.g., sprayed) from a nozzle-supply port, which is provided in (at) a tip portion of the nozzle 38, to the surface of the cleaning target.

When the suction motor 6 is driven and the fan 28 rotates, a suction force is generated at the recovery port 35 of the suction tube 8. When a suction force is generated at the recovery port 35, a suction force is generated at a nozzle-recovery port, which is provided at a tip portion of the nozzle 38, and cleaning liquid, etc. present on the surface of the cleaning target is suctioned into the nozzle-recovery port of the nozzle 38. The cleaning liquid, etc. suctioned into the nozzle-recovery port of the nozzle 38 flows through the suction hose 37 and then flows into the recovery port 35 of the suction tube 8. The cleaning liquid, etc. that has flowed into the recovery port 35 of the suction tube 8 flows into the interior space of the second tank 4. The cleaning liquid, etc. that has flowed into the interior space of the second tank 4 is housed (held) in the second tank 4.

The battery pack 39 is mounted on the battery-mounting part 9. The battery pack 39 is detachable from the battery-mounting part 9. The battery-mounting part 9 is disposed on the main-body housing 2 so as to face the tank-recessed portion 22. The battery-mounting part 9 is disposed on the bottom surface 15D of the main-body recessed portion 15.

When the first tank 3 is mounted on the main-body housing 2, the main-body recessed portion 15 is connected to (contiguous with) the tank-recessed portion 22. The tank-recessed portion 22 is disposed more upward than (above) the main-body recessed portion 15. The main-body recessed portion 15 and the tank-recessed portion 22 are connected (contiguous) via the main-body opening 16 in an upper-end portion of the main-body recessed portion 15 and the tank opening 23 in a lower-end portion of the tank-recessed portion 22. The location of the main-body recessed portion 15 and the location of at least a portion of the tank-recessed portion 22 coincide with each other in both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. In addition, the main-body opening 16 in a right-end portion of the main-body recessed portion 15 and the tank opening 23 in a right-end portion of the tank-recessed portion 22 are connected to each other. The location of the main-body opening 16 in the right-end portion of the main-body recessed portion 15 and the location of at least a portion of the tank opening 23 in the right-end portion of the tank-recessed portion 22 coincide with each other in the front-rear direction.

At least a portion of the battery pack 39 is passable through the tank opening 23 in (at) the right-end (right-edge) portion of the tank-recessed portion 22. At least a portion of the battery pack 39 is passable through the main-body opening 16 in (at) the right-end (right-edge) portion of the main-body recessed portion 15. The battery pack 39 is mounted on and demounted from the battery-mounting part 9 via (by passing through) the main-body opening 16 and the tank opening 23.

When the battery pack 39 is mounted on the battery-mounting part 9, it supplies electric power (current) to the electrical equipment and the electronic devices installed in the surface-cleaning apparatus 1. The electrical equipment and the electronic devices installed in the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 include the supply pump 5, the suction motor 6, the controller 10, and the operation panel 11.

The battery pack 39 is a general-purpose battery that is usable as the power supply of a variety of types of electrical equipment. For example, the battery pack 39 is preferably usable as the power supply of a cordless power tool. In addition, the battery pack 39 may be usable as the power supply of electrical equipment other than power tools. The battery pack 39 also may be configured to be usable as the power supply of a surface-cleaning apparatus that is different from the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The battery pack 39 comprises lithium-ion batteries or another type of rechargeable battery cells. Thus, the battery pack 39 is a secondary (rechargeable) battery that is capable of being recharged. The structure of the battery-mounting part 9 is preferably the same as that of the battery-mounting part of a cordless power tool.

The battery-mounting part 9 comprises a pair of guide rails and a terminal block, which is disposed between the two guide rails. The guide rails are elongate and extend in parallel in the left-right direction. The two guide rails are disposed spaced apart in the front-rear direction. During mounting and demounting of the battery pack 39, the battery-mounting part 9 guides the battery pack 39 in the left-right direction.

The user of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 can manually mount the battery pack 39 on the battery-mounting part 9 and manually remove the battery pack 39 from the battery-mounting part 9. The user can mount the battery pack 39 on the battery-mounting part 9 by inserting (sliding) the battery pack 39 into the battery-mounting part 9 from the right. The battery pack 39 is inserted into (physically and electrically connected with) the battery-mounting part 9 while being guided by the guide rails of the battery-mounting part 9. By mounting the battery pack 39 on the battery-mounting part 9, terminals of the battery pack 39 and the terminal block of the battery-mounting part 9 are electrically connected to each other. More particularly, power terminals and signal communication terminals of the battery pack 39 and the terminal block of the battery-mounting part 39 are electrically connected to each other. The user of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 can remove the battery pack 39 from the battery-mounting part 9 by moving (sliding) the battery pack 39 leftward.

The controller 10 controls at least the supply pump 5 and the suction motor 6. The controller 10 comprises a control circuit board. The control circuit board comprises: a microcomputer (microprocessor); and switching devices (e.g., power FETs), which are for controlling the operation (e.g., rotational speed) of the suction motor 6. The controller 10 is held by retaining ribs 12A, which are provided on the main-body plate 12.

The operation panel 11 is disposed on the front surface of the main-body housing 2. The operation panel 11 comprises: a supply switch 40, which is manipulated to cause the supply pump 5 to be driven; a suction switch 41, which is manipulated to cause the suction motor 6 to be driven (energized); an adjustment switch 42, which is manipulated to change the rotational speed of the suction motor 6; and a display 43, which displays, e.g., the currently-set rotational speed of the suction motor 6.

When the supply switch 40 is manipulated (pressed, rotated, etc.) while the supply pump 5 is stopped, the supply pump 5 is driven. When the supply switch 40 is manipulated (pressed, rotated, etc.) while the supply pump 5 is being driven, current flow to the supply pump 5 stops.

When the suction switch 41 is manipulated (pressed, rotated, etc.) while the suction motor 6 is stopped, the suction motor 6 is driven (energized). When the suction switch 41 is manipulated (pressed, rotated, etc.) while the suction motor 6 is being driven, current flow to the suction motor 6 stops.

When the adjustment switch 42 is manipulated (pressed) while the suction motor 6 is being driven, the rotational speed of (and thus the suction force generated by) the suction motor 6 is changed based on the number of times that the adjustment switch 42 was manipulated (pressed). Instead of an adjustment switch 42, a rotatable adjustment dial or knob may be provided. In such an embodiment, the rotational speed of (and thus the suction force generated by) the suction motor 6 is changed in proportion to the amount of rotational movement of the adjustment dial or knob. By performing a cleaning operation utilizing a lower rotational speed when possible, less power is drawn from the battery pack 39 and thus power can be conserved.

The supply pump 5 is switched between being driven and stopped based on a manipulation signal that is generated in response to manipulation of the supply switch 40. The suction motor 6 is switched between being driven and stopped based on a manipulation signal that is generated in response to manipulation of the suction switch 41. The controller changes the rotational speed of the suction motor 6 based on a manipulation signal that is generated in response to manipulation of the adjustment switch 42.

The display 43 has a plurality of light-emitting parts. The light-emitting states of the light-emitting parts are changed based on the rotational speed of the suction motor 6. The higher the rotational speed of the suction motor 6, the greater the number of light-emitting parts that emit light becomes. The lower the rotational speed of the suction motor 6, the fewer the number of the light-emitting parts that emit light becomes.

FIG. 10 schematically shows the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The main-body housing 2, the first tank 3, and the second tank 4 are disposed (arranged) in the up-down direction. The first tank 3 is connected to an upper portion of the main-body housing 2, and the second tank 4 is connected to a lower portion of the main-body housing 2. The main-body housing 2, at least a portion of the first tank 3, and at least a portion of the second tank 4 extend in respective planes that are all parallel to the lower surface 4A; i.e. the main-body housing 2, at least a portion of the first tank 3, and at least a portion of the second tank 4 overlap in the vertical direction. The first tank 3 and the second tank 4 are disposed (arranged) in the respective planes parallel to the lower surface 4A such that the first and second tanks 3, 4 are intersected by center axis AX of the main-body housing 2. The center axis AX is preferably a line or axis that extends vertically when the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 is disposed on a horizontal stationary surface with the lower surface 4A parallel to the horizontal stationary surface; such line or axis intersects a geometric center or center of gravity of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 in a plane parallel to the horizontal stationary surface.

In addition, the battery-mounting part 9 is disposed such that center axis AX of the main-body housing 2 intersects a plane of the battery-mounting part 9 that is parallel to the lower surface 4A. Therefore, center axis AX also may intersect the battery pack 39 when the battery pack 39 is mounted on the battery-mounting part 9. For example, center axis AX may preferably extend (pass) between the two parallel guide rails of the battery-mounting part 9, which guide rails may preferably extend in the above-mentioned plane of the battery-mounting part 9 that is parallel to the lower surface 4A.

The battery-mounting part 9 is disposed between the supply pump 5 and the suction motor 6 in the front-rear direction.

Specifications

One example of the specifications of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will now be explained. The total (overall) volume of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 may be 32 liters (L) or more and 59 L or less. The total (overall) mass of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 may be 7 kilograms (kg) or more and 17 kg or less. The capacity (volume) of the first tank 3 may be 3 L or more and 9 L or less. The capacity (volume) of the second tank 4 may be 3 L or more and 9 L or less. As one representative, non-limiting example, the total (overall) volume of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 according to the embodiment is 45.95 L. The dimension (width) of the outer shape of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 in the left-right direction is 252 millimeters (mm), the dimension (length) of the outer shape of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 in the front-rear direction is 407 mm, and the dimension (height) of the outer shape of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 in the up-down direction is 448 mm. In the state in which the battery pack 39 is mounted on the battery-mounting part 9, the total (overall) mass of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 may be, e.g., 13 kg. The capacity (volume) of the first tank 3 may be, e.g., 6 L. The capacity (volume) of the second tank 4 may be, e.g., 6 L.

Operation

To supply the cleaning liquid from the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 to the surface of the cleaning target, the user manipulates (e.g., presses, rotates, etc.) the supply switch 40 to cause the supply pump 5 to be driven. By driving the supply pump 5, the pump pressure, i.e. the pressure of the liquid generated by the supply pump 5, rises. In the first embodiment, the main-body housing 2 houses a pressure switch (pressure-sensitive switch) 44, which is configured to suppress (prevent) an excessive rise in pump pressure. The pressure switch 44 is disposed rearward of the supply pump 5. When the supply pump 5 has been started in response to manipulation of the supply switch 40 and the pump pressure then reaches a stipulated value, the operation of the supply pump 5 is stopped (i.e. current to the supply pump 5 is stopped or cut off) by the pressure switch 44. When the pump pressure falls below the stipulated value, operation of the supply pump 5 resumes again by resuming the supply of current to the supply pump 5.

After the pump pressure has sufficiently risen, the cleaning liquid will flow out of the supply port 34 of the supply tube 7 when a trigger lever 45, which is provided on the nozzle 38 or on the supply hose 36 closer to where the user will typically hold the hoses 36, 37 during a cleaning operation, is manipulated (e.g., pressed, pivoted, etc.). The cleaning liquid that flows out of the supply port 34 flows through the supply hose 36 and then is supplied (sprayed) from the nozzle-supply port of the nozzle 38 onto the surface of the cleaning target. It is noted that the supply of the cleaning liquid from the nozzle-supply port of the nozzle 38 to the surface of the cleaning target is stopped by releasing the trigger lever or by manipulating (e.g., pressing, rotating, etc.) the supply switch 40.

To recover (suction) the cleaning liquid, etc. on the surface of the cleaning target using the surface-cleaning apparatus 1, the user manipulates (e.g., presses, rotates, etc.) the suction switch 41 to cause the suction motor 6 to be driven. By driving the suction motor 6, the cleaning liquid, etc. on the surface of the cleaning target is recovered (suctioned) via the nozzle-recovery port of the nozzle 38. It is noted that the recovery of the cleaning liquid via the nozzle-recovery port of the nozzle 38 is stopped by manipulating (e.g., pressing, rotating, etc.) the suction switch 41.

During cleaning of the surface of the cleaning target, the recovery of the cleaning liquid from the surface of the cleaning target may be performed in parallel (simultaneously or substantially simultaneously) with the supply of the cleaning liquid to the surface of the cleaning target. In the alternative, the recovery of the cleaning liquid from the surface of the cleaning target may be performed after the cleaning liquid has been supplied to (sprayed onto) the surface of the cleaning target and the supply of the cleaning liquid has stopped.

As explained above, in the first embodiment, the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 comprises: the main-body housing 2; the suction motor 6, which is housed in the main-body housing 2 and is driven to recover the cleaning liquid, etc. from the surface of the cleaning target; the first tank 3, which houses (holds) the cleaning liquid to be supplied to the surface of the cleaning target; and the second tank 4, which houses (holds) the cleaning liquid, etc. recovered from the surface of the cleaning target. The first tank 3 is connected to an upper portion of the main-body housing 2. The second tank 4 is connected to a lower portion of the main-body housing 2 and has the lower surface 4A that opposes (is configured to oppose) the stationary surface.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, because the first tank 3 and the second tank 4 are disposed (arranged) in the up-down direction, the weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction does not detrimentally shift, even if, during a cleaning operation, the amount of the cleaning liquid housed (held) in the first tank 3 gradually decreases and the amount of the cleaning liquid housed (held) in the second tank 4 gradually increases. Consequently, it is possible to avoid a decrease in cleaning-work efficiency that might otherwise be caused by a shifted weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1. In addition, the user of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 can easily carry the surface-cleaning apparatus 1, because the weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 in the front-rear direction and left-right direction remains substantially along center axis AX (or a line parallel to the center axis AX) as the cleaning operation proceeds.

In the embodiments, the first tank 3 and the second tank 4 are each disposed in the respective planes that are parallel to the lower surface 4A such that the first and second tanks 3, 4 are intersected (preferably, perpendicularly) by center axis AX of the main-body housing 2. Therefore, center axis AX may intersect both the first tank 3 and the second tank 4.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 in the front-rear direction and/or in the left-right direction will not (significantly) change during a cleaning operation as cleaning liquid is gradually withdrawn from the first tank 3 and subsequently returned to the second tank 4.

In the embodiment, the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 comprises: the battery-mounting part 9, which is disposed on the main-body housing 2, on which the battery pack 39 is mounted and from which the battery pack 39 is demounted. The battery-mounting part 9 is disposed (extends) in a plane parallel to the lower surface 4A such that the battery-mounting part 9 is intersected by center axis AX of the main-body housing 2. Preferably, center axis AX extends (passes) between the two parallel guide rails of the battery-mounting part 9, which extend in a plane parallel to the lower surface 4A.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 in the front-rear direction and/or in the left-right direction will not (significantly) shift when the battery pack 39 is mounted on or demounted from the battery-mounting part 9.

In the embodiment, the first tank 3 is connected to an upper portion of the main-body housing 2; and the second tank 4 is connected to a lower portion of the main-body housing 2.

Because the cleaning liquid is held above the main-body housing 2 in the above-mentioned configuration, gravity will assist the supply (transfer) of cleaning liquid from the first tank 3 to the surface of the cleaning target, thereby reducing power consumption. It is noted that, if a pressure difference between the first tank 3 and the surface of the cleaning target is generated, a negative pressure effect will assist the supply (movement) of cleaning liquid from the first tank 3 to the surface of the cleaning target, thereby reducing power consumption.

In the first embodiment, the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 comprises the battery-mounting part 9, which is disposed on the main-body housing 2, on which the battery pack 39 is mounted and from which the battery pack 39 is demounted. The first tank 3, the second tank 4, and the battery-mounting part 9 are disposed (extend) in respective planes that are all parallel to the lower surface 4A such that the first tank 3, the second tank 4 and the battery-mounting part 9 are intersected (preferably, perpendicularly) by the center axis of the main-body housing 2; i.e. the first tank 3, the second tank 4 and the battery-mounting part 9 overlap in the vertical direction.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 in the front-rear direction and/or in the left-right direction does not detrimentally shift when (a) the battery pack 39 is mounted on or demounted from the battery-mounting part 9 and/or (b) cleaning liquid withdrawn from the first tank 3 is subsequently recovered and placed in the second tank 4.

In the first embodiment, the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 comprises the supply pump 5, which is housed in the main-body housing 2 and is driven to supply the cleaning liquid to the surface of the cleaning target.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the first tank 3 to the surface of the cleaning target by driving the supply pump 5. Because the first tank 3, which houses (holds) the cleaning liquid to be supplied to (sprayed on) the surface of the cleaning target, is disposed more upward than (above) the supply pump 5, the supply pump 5 does not have to suction the cleaning liquid upward from a location that is downward of (below) the supply pump 5. Consequently, the load on the supply pump 5 when discharging the cleaning liquid can be reduced as compared to an embodiment, in which the cleaning liquid is housed (held) below the supply pump 5, thereby conserving battery power.

In the first embodiment, the battery-mounting part 9 is disposed between the supply pump 5 and the suction motor 6 in the front-rear direction.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, in both the state in which the battery pack 39 is mounted on the battery-mounting part 9 and the state in which the battery pack 39 is not mounted on the battery-mounting part 9, the weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 in the front-rear direction is the same or at least substantially the same.

In the first embodiment, the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 comprises: the supply switch 40, which is disposed on the front surface of the main-body housing 2 and is manipulated (e.g., pressable, rotatable, etc.) to drive the supply pump 5; and the suction switch 41, which is disposed on the front surface of the main-body housing 2 and is manipulated (e.g., pressable, rotatable, etc.) to drive the suction motor 6.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, because the supply switch 40 and the suction switch 41 are separately provided, the supply pump 5 and the suction motor 6 can be driven at the same time (simultaneously) or separately (not simultaneously). In addition, because both the supply switch 40 and the suction switch 41 are disposed on the front surface of the main-body housing 2, the user of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 can easily manipulate both the supply switch 40 and the suction switch 41.

In the embodiment, the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 comprises: the supply port 34, which is provided on the front surface of the main-body housing 2 and out of which the cleaning liquid supplied to the surface of the cleaning target flows; and the recovery port 35, which is provided on the front surface of the main-body housing 2 and into which the cleaning liquid, etc. recovered from the surface of the cleaning target flows.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the user of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 can easily mount (attach) and demount (detach) the supply hose 36 on and from the supply port 34 and mount (attach) and demount (detach) the suction hose 37 on and from the recovery port 35.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 11 schematically shows a surface-cleaning apparatus 1B according to a second embodiment of the present teachings. In the surface-cleaning apparatus 1B, the main-body housing 2, the first tank 3, and the second tank 4 are disposed (arranged in parallel) in the up-down direction. The first tank 3 is connected to an upper portion of the main-body housing 2, and the second tank 4 is connected to a lower portion of the main-body housing 2. The main-body housing 2, at least a portion of the first tank 3, and at least a portion of the second tank 4 extend in respective planes that are all parallel to the lower surface 4A; i.e. the main-body housing 2, at least a portion of the first tank 3, and at least a portion of the second tank 4 overlap in the vertical direction. The first tank 3 and the second tank 4 are disposed (arranged) in the respective planes parallel to the lower surface 4A such that they are intersected by center axis AX of the main-body housing 2.

In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11 , the battery-mounting part 9 comprises a first battery-mounting part 9A and a second battery-mounting part 9B, which are disposed (arranged, e.g., aligned) in the front-rear direction. A first battery pack 39A is mounted on the first battery-mounting part 9A, and a second battery pack 39B is mounted on the second battery-mounting part 9B. The supply pump 5 and the suction motor 6 are disposed (arranged) in the front-rear direction. The first battery-mounting part 9A is disposed upward of the supply pump 5. The second battery-mounting part 9B is disposed upward of the suction motor 6.

As explained above, in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11 , the battery-mounting part 9 comprises the first battery-mounting part 9A and the second battery-mounting part 9B, which are disposed in the front-rear direction. The supply pump 5 and the suction motor 6 are disposed in the front-rear direction. The first battery-mounting part 9A is disposed upward of the supply pump 5. The second battery-mounting part 9B is disposed upward of the suction motor 6.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, even though a plurality of the battery-mounting parts 9 is provided on the surface-cleaning apparatus 1, a favorable weight balance of the surface-cleaning apparatus 1 can be maintained.

In the second embodiment described above, the second tank 4 may be connected to an upper portion of the main-body housing 2, and the first tank 3 may be connected to a lower portion of the main-body housing 2.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the tank-recessed portion 22 may be provided such that it is recessed rightward from a left side surface of the first tank 3. The main-body recessed portion 15 may be provided such that it is recessed rightward from a left side surface of the main-body cover 13.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the supply switch 40, the suction switch 41 and the adjustment switch (dial) 42 are provided on the operation panel 11. However, one, two or all of the supply switch 40, the suction switch 41 and the adjustment switch (dial) 42 may, instead or in addition, be provided on the suction hose 37 or on the supply hose 36. For example, a handle (not shown) may be provided on the suction hose 37 and/or on the supply hose 36 and one, two or all of the supply switch 40, the suction switch 41 and the adjustment switch (dial) 42 may be provided on such a hose handle. In the addition or in the alternative, one, two or all of the supply switch 40, the suction switch 41 and the adjustment switch (dial) 42 may be provided on remote control device that is connected by a wire or wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth® or another type of near-field communication (NFC) protocols) to the controller 11. In addition or in the alternative, the electrical functions of one, two or all of the supply switch 40, the suction switch 41 and the adjustment switch (dial) 42 may be implemented, e.g., on a smartphone (e.g., using an app) or other type of portable electrical device capable of communicating with the controller 10 to control the operation of the supply pump 5 and/or the suction motor 6. The trigger lever 45 or another type of switch optionally also may be provided on the (not shown) hose handle and may be mechanically coupled to a valve in the supply hose 36 or nozzle 38 to control the spraying of the cleaning liquid from the nozzle 38. In the alternative, a valve may be provided in the supply hose 36 or nozzle 38, which valve is electrically controlled, e.g. via a wire or wirelessly, by a switch (not shown) provided on the hose handle, on a remote control device or implemented, e.g., on a smartphone or other type of portable electrical device capable of communicating with the valve.

Representative, non-limiting examples of the present invention were described above in detail with reference to the attached drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, each of the additional features and teachings disclosed above may be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and teachings to provide improved surface-cleaning apparatuses, vacuum cleaners, etc. and components thereof.

Moreover, combinations of features and steps disclosed in the above detailed description may not be necessary to practice the invention in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to particularly describe representative examples of the invention. Furthermore, various features of the above-described representative examples, as well as the various independent and dependent claims below, may be combined in ways that are not specifically and explicitly enumerated in order to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teachings.

All features disclosed in the description and/or the claims are intended to be disclosed separately and independently from each other for the purpose of original written disclosure, as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed subject matter, independent of the compositions of the features in the embodiments and/or the claims. In addition, all value ranges or indications of groups of entities are intended to disclose every possible intermediate value or intermediate entity for the purpose of original written disclosure, as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed subject matter.

This application hereby incorporates by reference the entire disclosure of application Ser. No. ______, filed on the same date as the present application, entitled SURFACE-CLEANING APPARATUS, naming Kosuke KOMIYA, Takayuki TAHARA and Takashi ISHIHARA as inventors and being identified by attorney reference number MAK181-01348.

EXPLANATION OF THE REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   -   1 Surface-cleaning apparatus     -   1B Surface-cleaning apparatus     -   2 Main-body housing     -   3 First tank     -   4 Second tank     -   4A Lower surface     -   5 Supply pump     -   6 Suction motor     -   7 Supply tube     -   8 Suction tube     -   9 Battery-mounting part     -   9A First battery-mounting part     -   9B Second battery-mounting part     -   10 Controller     -   11 Operation panel     -   12 Main-body plate     -   12A Retaining rib     -   13 Main-body cover     -   14 Opening     -   15 Main-body recessed portion     -   15A Rear-side surface     -   15B Front-side surface     -   15C Back surface     -   15D Bottom surface     -   16 Main-body opening     -   17 Opening     -   18 Latch     -   19 Handle     -   20 Replenishment port     -   21 Cover     -   22 Tank-recessed portion     -   22A Rear-side surface     -   22B Front-side surface     -   22C Back surface     -   22D Top surface     -   23 Tank opening     -   24 Latch     -   25 Outflow part     -   26 Inflow part     -   27 Projection part     -   28 Fan     -   29 Motor case     -   30 Air-intake port     -   31 Filter unit     -   32 Float     -   33 Exhaust tube     -   34 Supply port     -   35 Recovery port     -   36 Supply hose     -   37 Suction hose     -   38 Nozzle     -   39 Battery pack     -   39A First battery pack     -   39B Second battery pack     -   40 Supply switch     -   41 Suction switch     -   42 Adjustment switch     -   43 Display part     -   44 Pressure switch     -   45 Trigger lever     -   AX Center axis 

1. A surface-cleaning apparatus comprising: a main-body housing; a suction motor, which is housed in the main-body housing; a first tank configured to hold cleaning liquid to be supplied to a surface of a cleaning target; and a second tank configured to hold cleaning liquid recovered from the surface of the cleaning target; wherein: the suction motor is drivable to recover the cleaning liquid from the surface of the cleaning target; one tank of the first tank and the second tank is connected to an upper portion of the main-body housing; and the other tank of the first tank and the second tank is connected to a lower portion of the main-body housing and has a lower surface configured to oppose a stationary surface on which the surface-cleaning apparatus is disposed.
 2. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first tank and the second tank: have respective longest dimensions extending in respective planes that are parallel to the lower surface; and are intersected by a vertically-extending center axis of the main-body housing that is perpendicular to the respective planes.
 3. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a battery-mounting part disposed on the main-body housing and configured to detachably mount a battery pack; wherein the battery-mounting part is disposed in a plane parallel to the lower surface and is intersected by a vertically-extending center axis of the main-body housing.
 4. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the first tank is connected to an upper portion of the main-body housing; and the second tank is connected to a lower portion of the main-body housing.
 5. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a battery-mounting part disposed on the main-body housing and configured to detachably mount a battery pack; wherein the first tank, the second tank, and battery-mounting part extend in respective planes that are parallel to the lower surface and are intersected by a vertically-extending center axis of the main-body housing.
 6. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a supply pump housed in the main-body housing and configured to be driven to supply the cleaning liquid from the first tank to the surface of the cleaning target.
 7. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the battery-mounting part is disposed between the supply pump and the suction motor in the front-rear direction.
 8. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a supply switch disposed on a front surface of the main-body housing and configured to be manipulated to cause the supply pump to be driven; and a suction switch disposed on the front surface of the main-body housing and configured to be manipulated to cause the suction motor to be driven.
 9. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a supply port provided on the front surface of the main-body housing and configured to expel cleaning liquid in a flow direction towards the surface of the cleaning target; and a recovery port provided on the front surface of the main-body housing and configured to receive cleaning liquid recovered from the surface of the cleaning target.
 10. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: the battery-mounting part comprises a first battery-mounting part and a second battery-mounting part, which are arranged, preferably aligned, in the front-rear direction; the supply pump and the suction motor are arranged in the front-rear direction; the first battery-mounting part is disposed upward of the supply pump; and the second battery-mounting part is disposed upward of the suction motor.
 11. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, comprising: a battery-mounting part disposed on the main-body housing and configured to detachably mount a battery pack; wherein the battery-mounting part is disposed in a plane parallel to the lower surface and is intersected by the vertically-extending center axis of the main-body housing.
 12. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: the first tank is connected to an upper portion of the main-body housing; and the second tank is connected to a lower portion of the main-body housing.
 13. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first tank, the second tank, and battery-mounting part extend in respective planes that are parallel to the lower surface and are intersected by the vertically-extending center axis of the main-body housing.
 14. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a supply pump housed in the main-body housing and configured to be driven to supply the cleaning liquid from the first tank to the surface of the cleaning target.
 15. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the battery-mounting part is disposed between the supply pump and the suction motor in the front-rear direction.
 16. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: a supply switch disposed on a front surface of the main-body housing and configured to be manipulated to cause the supply pump to be driven; and a suction switch disposed on the front surface of the main-body housing and configured to be manipulated to cause the suction motor to be driven.
 17. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 16, comprising: a supply port provided on the front surface of the main-body housing and configured to expel cleaning liquid in a flow direction towards the surface of the cleaning target; and a recovery port provided on the front surface of the main-body housing and configured to receive cleaning liquid recovered from the surface of the cleaning target.
 18. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a supply pump housed in the main-body housing and configured to be driven to supply the cleaning liquid from the first tank to the surface of the cleaning target; wherein a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the vertically-extending center axis and is parallel to the respective planes intersects the supply pump and the suction motor.
 19. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising: a supply switch configured to be manipulated to cause the supply pump to be driven; and a suction switch configured to be manipulated to cause the suction motor to be driven.
 20. The surface-cleaning apparatus according to claim 19, comprising: a battery-mounting part disposed on the main-body housing and is located between the first tank and the second tank in an up-down direction that is perpendicular to the respective planes and the horizontal plane; wherein the battery-mounting part is configured to detachably mount a battery pack to supply current to the supply pump and the suction motor. 